Aging is a beautiful part of life, and as you grow and change, so does your skin. “As we age, our skin barrier weakens, resulting in increased moisture loss and dryness of the skin,” board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, tells PEOPLE. The skin also loses collagen which can lead to wrinkles and fine lines, and long-time sun exposure can add to discoloration over time, she adds.
With that in mind, what you choose to conceal on mature skin can differ from your youth, and we set out to find the concealers that celebrity makeup artists and real women swear by to make you feel (and look) your best at any age.
L’Oreal Paris celebrity makeup artist Allan Avendaño tells PEOPLE that when shopping for concealers for mature skin, you should consider those that will set once blended. “It needs to be crease-proof so that it doesn’t settle into fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth.” He adds that “color correcting properties” can also be a helpful feature for hyperpigmentation and other discoloration concerns.
Looking at formulas, skin types, coverage, and finishes, we asked celebrity makeup artists and our family members and friends (a.k.a. our testers) for their picks for the best concealers for mature skin of 2023.
Amazon
When thinking about what makes a universal concealer that will work for most people, you want to consider its price, versatility for various skin types, shade range, coverage level, and finish. We found L’Oreal’s Infallible Concealer to meet all of those criteria and more.
“L’Oreal’s Infallible Concealer is a staple in my kit because of its full coverage and long lasting wearability,” says Avendaño. When you’re working with mature skin, full coverage is important because it can hide the majority of skin concerns such as dark circles, fine lines, and discoloration without having to use as much product (which can lead to a cakey look when overused). And the fact that it is long-lasting is just a bonus.
“It sets to a natural looking matte finish and doesn’t crease,” he says. This is a huge benefit because a concealer that “dries down to a matte finish” can better hide fine lines whereas those with a radiant finish can actually “accentuate wrinkles.” A radiant finish is generally better for the under-eye area to give off a more youthful glow, but a matte finish allows more versatility for using on all parts of the face.
“A little goes a long way and you can really cover discolorations with ease,” he concludes. Considering the effectiveness of this concealer for all skin types (in 25 shades) and the fact that it costs just $15, it was an obvious choice for our best overall pick.
Price at time of publish: $14.69
Shades: 25 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Natural, matte | Key Ingredients: Glycerin | Best for: All skin types
Nordstrom
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If you’re needing a more affordable, lightweight concealer, there are better options for you on this list.
If you don’t mind spending a little upfront, your investment will pay off with the Clé De Peau Beauté Concealer. Avendaño calls it “a great choice,” and one of our testers likes to use it for “fancy” occasions due to the quality (and to savor it, given the price). While it’s more expensive than any other concealer on our list, the quality is telling.
“The Cle De Peau concealer SPF 27 is a staple in my kit,” says celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips, who works with clients like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Kendall Jenner. “It’s great for mature skin — its lightweight creamy texture has amazing coverage so a little goes a long way.”
Avendaño adds that the cream stick form “has a drier, thicker consistency,” which helps cover blemishes because it “grips onto texture and gives you coverage.” The formula creates smooth, full coverage that works well to lessen the appearance of dark circles, redness, and fine lines. Given its popularity among professionals and makeup users alike, we thought it deserved a top spot, but the price kept it from being the best overall. That said, it does go on sale every now and then, so be on the lookout if you want to snag it at a lower price.
Price at time of publish: $75
Shades: 11 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | Key Ingredients: Rosa roxburghii fruit extract, zingiber aromaticus extract, glycerin | Best for: All skin types
Ulta
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It can be a little drying, so if you have dry skin already, you might opt for the hydrating version of this concealer.
If you’re looking for a reliable concealer for an impressively low price, the e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer has full, lasting coverage. The family member who recommended it is 63 years old and has a combination skin type. She recently did her own research to find a good everyday concealer and ended up trying three concealers on our list. That said, e.l.f. couldn’t be beat when it came to price.
The e.l.f. concealer has a matte finish that looks natural, and provides ample coverage. The family member noted that it can be a little drying, so if you have dry skin, we recommend you try the sister product: Hydrating Camo Concealer (also $7). “If you’re looking for a drugstore concealer, e.l.f Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer is a nice option,” celebrity makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo tells PEOPLE. “It’s long-wear without looking cakey on the skin.”
Price at time of publish: $7
Shades: 25 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, kaolin clay | Best for: Combination, oily skin
Amazon
While some concealers come with an applicator, the Maybelline concealer uses a sponge-shaped end to easily apply the product and blend it all at once. The loved one who recommended this product is 51 years old and likes a glowy finish with light coverage — in order to see a more natural-looking result. Her primary concerns are dark circles and laugh lines, which the concealer works effectively to mask.
Given the applicator shape of this concealer and the radiant finish, it’s actually a solid choice for combatting the under-eye area. The formula feels lightweight on the skin, almost like you’re not wearing makeup, and it blends with other products easily, such as the L’Oréal True Match W5 Powder, which is what one of our testers uses to set it. She says it hides all of her skin concerns, but adds that the applicator sponge can get a little flaky over time, so you should dab the concealer on rather than swipe it across your skin. It’s also a non-comedogenic formula so it won’t clog pores and is also gentle enough for those with sensitivity.
Price at time of publish: $10.99
Shades: 18 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Radiant | Key Ingredients: Glycerin | Best for: All skin types
Sephora
One of two recommendations that celebrity makeup artist Tomy Rivero gave PEOPLE, the Saie Hydrabeam Under-Eye Concealer is “an extension of skincare with color, meaning you get a very hydrating eye cream with coverage.” Rivero says it acts like a treatment to hide imperfections, noting that “you can set it with a light powder or use it without setting it, which is a great way to prevent cakey, wrinkled under-eyes.”
In addition to hydration, the Saie concealer also brightens, adding a luminous glow to your skin — ideal for those who like a radiant finish. The formula is also made without silicones, fragrance, and other harmful additives making it a good option for sensitive skin in addition to those with dry or combination skin types. However, if your skin runs particularly oily, you might find that this gives off a bit too much of a sheen.
Price at time of publish: $26
Shades: 15 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Radiant | Key Ingredients: Olive-derived squalane, tomato extract, cucumber extract | Best for: Dry skin, combination skin
Sephora
“The Lancôme Care and Glow Serum concealer is my go-to for mature skin because of its serum based formula,” says Phillips. “Its creamy, liquid texture makes it easy to use with natural glowy results.” The formula is rich with hyaluronic acid which immediately goes to work to hydrate your skin, while assistance comes from peptides and ceramides to further smooth the texture of your skin, creating that seamless finish.
Because of how radiant this finish is, if your skin tends to err on the greasy or oily side, you may find this adds too much shine and we recommend opting for a matte finish concealer on this list instead.
Price at time of publish: $29
Shades: 24 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Radiant, glowy | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides | Best for: Dry skin, combination skin
Sephora
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It has buildable coverage, but if you want something with full coverage, we have other options that might cover more.
“Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Concealer is a great concealer for both mature and younger skin,” says Avendaño. The formula contains caffeine which can “help with dark circles and puffiness.” The medium, buildable coverage creates versatile options for those who prefer to choose their own concealer adventure. You can build it up to mask dark circles under the eye, or use it sparingly across the face to let your skin’s texture show through while still addressing discoloration.
This formula is also free of parabens, sulfates, and gluten, so it’s a good option for those with more sensitive skin, too. Unlike some formulas, this one “sets itself to a natural skin-like finish,” says Avendaño. This is an ideal concealer for those who prefer a less-is-more approach to their makeup and a really natural-looking result.
Price at time of publish: $29
Shades: 22 | Coverage: Medium, buildable | Finish: Natural | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, fermented marine microorganisms | Best for: All skin types
Ulta
Makeup with SPF is a great way to protect your skin throughout the day. The Bare Minerals Concealer is popular for its multipurpose functionality, especially for those with mature skin concerns. Our tester who recommended it is 61 and loves how easy it is to apply and blend (with the right brush). She prefers a natural, matte finish and uses concealer to cover dark circles and feels this concealer achieves both aims.
The formula is almost a mix between a powder and cream, so it can be applied very lightly or layered for fuller coverage depending on your makeup intention. It’s non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores and is a really gentle product so it can work for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It even includes a mineral-based sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB rays. The Bare Minerals concealer is a wonderful option for many skin types, so we wish it was available in more shades.
Price at time of publish: $26
Shades: 4 | Coverage: Buildable | Finish: Natural, matte | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, iron oxides, bismuth oxychloride & mica | Best for: All skin types
Ulta
The Tarte Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer has no shortage of shade range options with almost 40 to choose from to find your perfect match. Our tester who recommended this pick is 69 and likes to use concealer to cover dark circles and age spots. She has a combination skin type and really appreciates how easily the formula applies to her skin, under her eyes and across her cheeks.
While the tube can get a little messy, the concealer lasts a long time for such a small amount. It offers full coverage with creamy hydration, giving your skin a refreshing feel. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and prickly pear contribute to that hydration, while avocado butter helps add brightness to dark circles and ginseng works to soothe redness. Our tester appreciates the matte finish and further sets it with Laura Geller powder to increase its longevity. It’s waterproof, holds up over creases and fine lines, and the creamy formula doesn’t look cakey.
Price at time of publish: $15.50 (orig. $31)
Shades: 37 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, prickly pear, ginseng, vegan squalane, mango butter, avocado butter, shea butter | Best for: All skin types, especially dry or mature skin
Dermstore
Tarte does it again with a second favorite concealer on our list. Our tester loves the seamless shade matching, easy application, and longevity of the makeup, adding that it lasts all day. She’s 64 and deals with some hyperpigmentation and redness, as well as the appearance of age spots, but this formula helps address all concerns “to the point where you’d never know they were there,” she says.
Our tester has used this concealer for years because it never misses. The only drawback is the thickness of the formula which makes it a little too heavy to work as a great under eye concealer. That said, a little goes a long way for spot coverage, and the formula doesn’t settle into fine lines. It also has a radiant finish if you like a little dewiness in your makeup look.
Price at time of publish: $29
Shades: 30 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Radiant | Key Ingredients: Maracuja, vitamin C, vitamin E, mineral pigments | Best for: Balanced, dry, combination, oily skin types
Neiman Marcus
Sometimes you want a product that can do it all for a simpler approach to makeup, and that’s where Kevyn Aucoin products shine — they’re just so versatile. The Sensual Skin Enhancer is a multipurpose complexion product that can act as a concealer, foundation, contour, or even highlight, depending on the shades you choose.
Celebrity makeup artist Kristee Liu recommended the enhancer to PEOPLE as a good concealer for mature skin. “I look for a creamier formula instead of liquid as creams tend to move with the skin and not dry down and sink into crevasses like liquids do,” said the makeup artist who works with clients like Cher and actress Melanie Lynskey, to name a few. The creamy formula of this product provides really smooth coverage, a natural finish, and moisture thanks to jojoba oil, vitamin E, and honey.
Price at time of publish: $37
Shades: 16 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Natural | Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, vitamin E, honey | Best for: All skin types
Dermstore
Ilia has a lot of good options for lighter, more sheer coverage, including the True Skin Serum Concealer. “My go-to concealer for mature skin is the Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer,” says Rivero. He describes it as “creamy” with a “high color payoff,” noting its hydrating and long-lasting benefits. It has a natural but almost satin-like finish that adds a nice radiance to your complexion.
It’s truly a sheer product given its liquid formula, so it’s not going to provide as much coverage as a thicker product, but it’s ideal for those who just need a bit of brightening under the eyes. Since it’s packed with antioxidants and vitamins, this serum makeup is also a form of skincare and can benefit all skin types.
Price at time of publish: $32
Shades: 20 | Coverage: Light/medium | Finish: Satin, natural | Key Ingredients: Stabilized vitamin C, mastic, Albizia julibrissin bark extract | Best for: All skin types
Dermstore
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Since the formula is cream-based and will have a more hydrated, natural finish, those looking for a matte finish should look elsewhere.
A cream-based product is going to provide more coverage given the formula and an ability to layer on the skin. The RMS Beauty UnCoverup Concealer is extremely buildable yet feels lightweight. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, coconut oil, antioxidants, and vitamin E — all positive factors for Liu who looks for “concealers that contain skin-beneficial ingredients.”
If you have dry skin, you may need to prepare your skin with an oil or moisturizer (we recommend one of our best face moisturizers for dry skin) before applying this concealer, and conversely, set it with a powder after use if your skin runs oily. Regardless of skin type, this concealer provides brightness, coverage of skin concerns like dark circles and age spots, as well as nourishing skin benefits.
Price at time of publish: $38
Shades: 11 | Coverage: Light, buildable | Finish: Natural | Key Ingredients: Organic coconut oil, jojoba oil, antioxidants, vitamin E | Best for: All skin types
One of our testers recommended the Tula Brightening Serum Concealer for its sheer and natural appearance, lightweight feel, and long-lasting effects. She’s 65 and often faces dark circles, fine lines, and some age spots. It’s easier to apply with a sponge or brush than with your fingers, but once it’s on, the coverage looks great (with no caking!).
This formula uses ingredients like peptides and caffeine to help with dark circles, a specially formulated pro complex to improve the texture of your skin, and rainbow seaweed and niacinamide to brighten the tone of your complexion. Our tester has a balanced skin type and compared the concealer to “barely there makeup” with a natural finish. It covers dark spots under the eye, but doesn’t have that thick consistency that some concealers do.
Price at time of publish: $32
Shades: 20 | Coverage: Sheer | Finish: Natural | Key Ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, pro complex, rainbow seaweed, niacinamide | Best for: All skin types
More to Consider
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream ($47): One of our testers who is 54 years old swears by It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream as her go-to concealer. Though it’s not technically a concealer, she appreciates its ability to even out her skin tone and address redness without being too thick or heavy on her skin. She has dry, sensitive skin, and a CC cream like this one provides good hydration and light coverage with a radiant, natural finish.
Mary Kay Undereye Corrector ($16): Another tester, 65, recommended the Mary Kay Undereye Concealer, and though it doesn’t have many shades available (just six), it’s super pigmented and really conceals dark circles under the eye. This is a thicker formula, so it’s better applied with a brush or sponge than with your fingers and is meant for full coverage rather than sheer. She has used this product for years, and confirms that it lasts all day and has a natural-looking result.
Things to Consider When Buying Concealers for Mature Skin
Skin Type
Shopping for concealers for mature skin requires slightly different considerations than younger skin. “As we age, our skin cell turnover rate and overall skin repair system slows down [and] our bodies start making less and less collagen and elastin, [and] have more bone density loss,” board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, tells PEOPLE. She says this can lead to a duller complexion and more skin laxity once you hit your 40s and 50s.
Additionally, the reduced oil and collagen production make aging skin “increasingly prone to dryness and fine lines,” says esthetician and founder of Botnia skincare Justine Kahn. “Drawing from my extensive esthetic experience and history with aging clientele, I emphasize deep hydration, gentle exfoliation, and nutrient-rich treatments to revitalize and nourish skin.”
Dr. Robinson says other mature skin elements to consider include:
- Hydration: Your skin grows thinner over time and the skin barrier has a harder time regulating hydration. “Mature skin needs heavier emollients and humectants for hydration, such as glycerin, ceramides, and lipids to encourage skin barrier repair.” Look for a concealer with moisturizing ingredients to help counteract dry, flaky skin like the Saie Hydrabeam Under-Eye Concealer and Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer.
- Irritation: As your skin changes over time, it can “become more reactive” or at least lose some tolerance for certain ingredients. Certain ingredients in concealers may irritate your skin is prone to redness and inflammation, so you’ll want to look for something that is non-comedogenic and gentle on sensitive skin, like the Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Concealer.
- Hormonal Shifts: When you encounter menopause, the change in hormones can cause acne which might require a more full-coverage concealer.
- Photo Aging: Those who have spent a great deal of time in the sun will naturally see more hyperpigmentation and sun spots, which, again, will require something with more opaque coverage.
Coverage
As mentioned above, depending on the skin concern you’re focused on, the coverage level of a concealer can make an important difference. “I use concealer to camouflage dark circles under the eyes, or hyperpigmentation or sun damage caused by UV exposure,” says Restrepo. “Concealers can also be used to reduce the appearance of rosacea-like redness and even pimples.”
If you want a thicker, more full-coverage option, we suggest concealers like L’Oreal’s Infallible Concealer, Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer, and Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer, among others. For those who want to use concealer for evening your skin tone but with more sheer coverage, we would recommend lighter coverage concealers like Tula Brightening Serum Concealer or Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Concealer. There are also many formulas that are buildable so you can go lighter or fuller depending on your needs that day.
Formula
The ingredients in a formula play a huge role in makeup for mature skin. “I recommend a concealer that will not only even out skin tone and blur imperfections, but also help improve the skin like adding hydration because the skin loses moisture as we age, or reducing puffiness, which tends to happen more often as we get older,” says Restrepo.
Phillips agrees, adding that she also prefers a more hydrating concealer when working with mature skin. She says that certain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides can “hydrate, strengthen, and protect the skin.”
Take Our Word For It
Madison Yauger is a senior shopping writer who’s covered numerous beauty products like mascaras, tinted moisturizers, and the best long-lasting lipsticks. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this story, she spoke with celebrity makeup artists Allan Avendaño, Mary Phillips, Tomy Rivero, Rebecca Restrepo, and Kristee Liu. Madison also reached out to board-certified dermatologists Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD and Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, as well as esthetician Justine Kahn to learn more about the nuances of working with mature skin. She also surveyed her fellow editors’ family and friends to gauge insights from real women over 50 who use these concealers.
Meet Our Experts
- Allan Avendaño is a celebrity makeup artist who’s also one of the L’Oreal Paris League of Experts. He’s worked with a range of celebrities such as Sandra Oh and Poorna Jagannathan.
- Mary Phillips is a celebrity makeup artist with clients like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Salma Hayek, to name a few.
- Tomy Rivero is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert who works across film and television. Rivero also has a namesake beauty salon, Tomy Rivero Beauty Lab, in New York City.
- Rebecca Restrepo is a celebrity makeup artist with an extensive roster of famous clients including Debra Messing, Leslie Bibb, Lauren Ambrose, Kerry Washington and Carrie Coon.
- Kristee Liu is a celebrity makeup artist who works across Hollywood with the likes of Cher, Katrina Lenk, Melanie Lynskey, and Brenda Song, among others.
- Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist with Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in Manhattan, NY and Englewood, NJ. She’s also an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell-New York Presbyterian Medical Center. Her focus spans a variety of cosmetic and medical procedures and treatments.
- Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD is the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology, as well as the founder of DMR Research. She’s also an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital.
- Justine Kahn is an esthetician and the founder and CEO of Botnia Skincare. She has a focus on holistic skincare and sustainable initiatives.
Meet Our Testers
